Steven3
Lion King
Joined: 10 Jul 2007
Posts: 1205
Location: UK
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 Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:06 pm Post subject: "prophesy" can't mean just preach |
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Hi VCO | VCO wrote: | | Here is Dr. John MacArthur's commentary on Rom. 12:6 and it's use of the word "prophecy": |
You could have quoted a dozen, perhaps 100 sources all saying the same thing. It's a very convincing argument on the surface because Paul clearly doesn't see the Corinthians as having real OT style "prophetic" gifts of the kind Agabus, John, Paul and Peter exhibit in the NT.
Nevertheless like many common assumptions, it's wrong, because it's based on putting theology, (or even just good "common sense") before linguistic evidence.
What's happening is MacArthur, and 1001 sincere seminary-background commentators before and since, are making two basic methodological mistakes:
1. Assuming that what was happening in Corinth was normative behaviour - therefore trying to reconcile what the Corinthians were doing with what Paul wanted them to be doing.
2. Not checking how prophecy is used outside the Septuagint and Greek NT.
If we don't assume 1., and if we check in Greek texts 2. then we aren't going to come to MacArthur's conclusion.
The issue is method, not opinion.
VCO
You can probably see my point in 1, because you've already seen through the Pentecostal assumption that if the Corinthians did it it must be normative behaviour, a model for modern churches. But I suspect you can't see my point in 2. because you don't have access to Greek texts outside the NT. However, you could take it on trust from someone who does that I've no reason to tell you something that isn't true. I would like to believe prophesy could mean preach - without any special inspired or ecstatic element, I'd really like. Unfortunately all the classical Greek texts are against such an opinion.
God bless
Steven
_________________
Jo5:26 The Father ... has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
Ro6:10 the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.
2Co13:4 he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. |
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